Downtown Kava — Restaurant in Punta Gorda

Walked in here for the first time to check it out. Maybe 8 to 10 people on a Friday night. Not really much going on. Looks like a music stand set up but nobody playing. I took a seat at the bar and waited. And waited. Two people walked in after me, sat at the bar and got waited on. That was enough. I just left. Too bad the woman behind the bar doesn’t know service. I’ll never go back. And the strong smell of weed in the parking lot was overwhelming.

RESPONSE TO OWNER: You failed to mention that the bartender never acknowledged me, even though there were only five people at the bar and maybe about 5 more seated elsewhere… 10 people in the entire establishment and this was on a weekend night!. I would’ve turned around and walked out at that moment. It seemed dreary but I wanted to give you a place a shot.

The couple that came in after me arrived well after I was seated at the bar. The bartender went over to them and immediately and took their order. Obviously, regulars.

You may want to speak to the woman behind your bar about customer service, Ignoring a customer is not acceptable.

I expected to read an apology for the poor customer service from the management, not a condescending dig about allegedly not holding a door. Perhaps, you should count the small number of people that were in your establishment and why it was so.

You also never responded to the strong odor of marijuana I mentioned in my review. Evidently, it’s something that you allow… even though your coffee shop is not in Amsterdam.

if you had acknowledged and validated my concerns, I might have given you a second chance. Now, you’ve lost a customer for life. Good luck with that business...

Downtown Kava resides within the historic Punta Gorda Train Depot. The exterior of the building is untouched and original, and has a large porch with outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful Florida breeze. The interior is spacious and provides several "living room" seating areas for small to medium groups and a large bar where you can watch the kava-tenders mix up some amazing drinks.

Speaking of drinks, be sure to check out the menu that is posted; they have a great selection of very tasty drinks already, but they'll mix up a custom concoction of your liking if you are creative and want to chart your own path.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the owners, Ryan and Sara, and recognize them for all the awesome work they put into reviving this historic location. Also, Sean and Lang, two of the best kava-tenders I know, work here and provide a welcoming greeting and excellent service.

So, if you are nearby, be sure to stop in, you'll likely find yourself a new hang-out; and if you are in search of a great kava or elixer drink, they are worth the short...

Sarah and Ryan Desrosier have created the most wonderful venue for great drinks and non-alcoholic cocktails. The ambience of the old train depot is amazing. The space is warm, inviting, full of wonderful and unique furniture and decor, and most of all friendly. It feels like family and home the minute you step in. Having food trucks, events like Open Mic Night, Trivia and even Pokémon Go puts the icing on the cake. Family friendly with kids drinks available and DTK is always filled with patrons of all ages. We’ve made many new friends there and it has become our home away from home. Have conversations with old and new friends, work remotely, relax and just chill, either inside or outside on the platform, the choice is yours. I need to add that the staff of Aaron, Sean, Laing, and Krystal are the best and they try to get to know every customer by name besides giving superb customer service. It’s quite simply the best place to be no matter what...